MOSCOW, November 30 /TASS/. Russia is open for constructive dialogue with Montenegro and expects the Balkan nation to take practical steps to remove the preconditions regarding the built-up negativity in bilateral relations, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated at a briefing on Wednesday.

She said that Russia had noted a remark made by Montenegro’s new Prime Minister Dusko Markovic about the need to overcome "elements of misunderstanding with (Montenegro’s) historical ally Russia."

"Our country is open for a constructive dialogue with all nations, including Montenegro," Zakharova went on to say. "We would like to hope that Russian-Montenegrin relations, which are currently enduring difficult times - which, in fact, is not our fault-will be based on trust and mutual respect. We expect the government in Podgorica to demonstrate a balanced approach and take practical steps to remove the preconditions for the built-up negativity in bilateral relations," the Russian diplomat concluded.